₦airaland Forum

owners. 9. With regard to paragraph 13 of the Statement of Claim defendants assert that their ancestors were the original founders of Okenrenkoko and have ever lived there in their own rights as owners in possession. They have always exercised maximum rights of ownership and user over the land and creeks in dispute without the interference of plaintiffs whose ancestors are Yorubas. Defendants are not in a position to deny or admit that Plan No. W/GA88/62 was the one used in Plaintiff's case against Adurumokumor and others in Suit No.W/29/1951. 12. Even if the plaintiffs had at any time the rights claimed in this action (which are denied by defendants) the defendants will contend that the said rights are no longer enforceable against them by reason of plaintiffs laches and acquiescence, lapse of time and defendants long possession of the said land and creeks in dispute.'' The first plaintiffs gave evidence and called eight witnesses, and the second defendant also gave evidence and called five witnesses. After hearing all the evidence adduced before him, the learned trial Judge found as a fact that the land in dispute is called Okenrenghigho (or Okenghigho) by the Itsekiris and Okenrenkoko by the Ijaws, and that the main issue raised in the pleadings and on the evidence is whether Akpata settled in Okerenghigho as founder or as customary tenant of Omadinor people. The learned trial Judge said: ''On the contrary the defendants claim Akpata as their common ancestor and leader and their title to the land is descended from him. Beyond Akpata their forebears claims no interest in, or right and title to Okenrenghigho.'' As each of the two surveyors that surveyed and prepared a plan of the land in dispute for plaintiffs and defendants respectively were not available, the plan prepared by one Obianwu for the plaintiffs was admitted by consent and marked Exhibit ''A'' and the photocopy of the copy lodged with the Surveyor- General is Exhibit "A1'' The plan prepared by one Chukwurah for the defendants was also admitted by consent as Exhibit B''and the photoprint of the copy lodged with the Surveyor-General as Exhibit ''E''. The learned trial Judge considered that the judgment in the case of Reece, J., E.E.Sillo & Anor. V. Adurumokumor W/29/1951, which was admitted as Exhibit ''C'' although without the plan to which it was tied, sufficiently described the area in respect of which declaration was granted to the plaintiffs to make the declaration prayed for in this action almost unnecessary. In that case the declaration sought was in respect of a parcel of land situate at Omadinor bounded on the north by the land of Binikrukrus and Dagbaros, on the south by Escravas River, on the west by Nana River and on the east by the land of Obobo. Within this area described, one finds situated the land Okenghigho or Okenrenghigho. The learned trial Judge observed: ''On examination of the plans Exhibit ''A'' and Exhibit ''B'' it is clear that the land the subject matter of this claim called Okenrenghigho forms part of and falls within the area described in the claim in Suit No. W/291/951 and delineated in the plan to which the declaration was tied in that suit. '' The learned trial Judge finally reached the following conclusion: ''The evidence of the plaintiffs and their witnesses as to the founding of Okenrenghigho before me in this case is more Okenrenkoko credible than the defendants evidence and leads me to the conclusion that Okerenghigho or Okenghigho was founded by the plaintiff's ancestors and that the original ancestor of the defendants by name Akpata and his followers settled on the land with the permission of the plaintiff's ancestors. And I find that he accepted his position as their customary tenant.This I so find.'' He, therefore, (a) granted, a declaration of possessory title of ownership, to the plaintiffs as claimed in the writ, (b) held that the plaintiffs were not entitled to payment for use and occupation of the land but only to payment of annual tribute or homage, in acknowledgement of title of possessory ownership and not for the use and occupation, and (c) granted to the defendants as prayed the writ. Against this decision, the appellants have appealed to this court on the following grounds: 1. Judgment is against the weight of evidence. 2. The learned trial Judge misdirected himself in law at the facts in holding that- The admission of the defence that Akpata was the defendants common ancestor and that the defendants title to the land descended from him and the claim by the plaintiff that at the request of Governor Shanomi that they permitted Akpata to settle on the land Okerenghigho with his followers on payment of homage or tribute in the form of palm wine, fish and farm products weakens the defence. The plaintiffs however are entitled to rely on the admission by the defence that Akpata is their common ancestor.'' Particulars of Misdirection (a) The fact that the plaintiffs choose to build their traditional evidence around the person of the defendants ancestor does not necessarily give greater weight to the plaintiffs traditional evidence as compared with the defendants. (b) The plea of the defendants that Akpata was their ancestor is an averment of a positive fact on which they relied and is no admission of any averment of the plaintiffs. 3. The learned trial Judge erred in law and on the facts in failing to observe that the plaintiffs failed to prove the plan allegedly filed and tendered by them in case No. W/29/1951: Chief E. E.Sillo & Ors. V. Adurumokumor & Ors. 4. The learned trial Judge erred in law in holding as follows: ''I am satisfied that the village land Okenrenghigho which is the subject matter in dispute in this case falls within the area described in the claim in Suit No. W/29/1951. The area of land described before me by 1st Plaintiff's witness and in Exhibits ''A'', ''A1'' is the same as the area of land in respect of which the judgment Exhibit ''C'' was entered for Plaintiff by this court then Supreme Court.'' Particulars of Error: 1. There was no admissible evidence of the area of land over which the Supreme Court gave judgment in favour of the Plaintiffs in Suit No. W/29/51 and no explanation was offered for the failure to produce the plan of the said land: 2. Accordingly, it was pure conjecture on the part of the learned trial Judge to have suggested that the land described in Exhibit ''A'' and '' A1'' was the same as that covered by Exhibit ''C''; And What was described in Exhibits ''A'' and ''A1'' as ''land in dispute'' could not reasonably have been what was in dispute in Exhibit ''C'' and there is no admissible evidence that the land now in dispute was within what was disputed in Exhibit ''C'' 5. The learned trial Judge erred in law and on the facts in failing to uphold the equitable defences of laches, acquiescence and or long possession. 6. The learned trial Judge misdirected himself in law and on the facts in holding as follows: ''The facts: main issue raised in the evidence is whether Akpata settled in Okenrenghigho as founder or as customary tenant of Omadino people.'' Particulars of Misdirection (i) The main issue of the pleadings and evidence was whether the plaintiffs have discharged the onus on them to rebut the presumption of ownership in favour of the defendants who were admittedly in possession of the land; and (ii) It being common ground between the parties that the defendant's ancestor was the first to settle on the land, it was the duty of the court to ascertain whether the plaintiff has established by evidence that they or their ancestors made a grant of the land to the predecessors in title of the defendants. 7. The learned trial Judge erred in law and on the facts in preferring the traditional evidence of one side to that of the other without testing or making an attempt to test the rival traditional evidence by reference to recent facts established by evidence or admitted by both sides. 8. The learned trial Judge erred in law and on the facts in relying on the evidence of the Acting Secretary of the Itsekiri Communal Land Trustees and Exhibits ''D1'' ''D15'' when, (a) The evidence was inconsistent with the averments in the Statement of Claim and with the evidence of the plaintiff'

Over five hundred years ago plaintiffs ancestor migrated from a place known as Ode in Yoruba area and founded Okenghigho. In course of time it was observed that the place was not big enough for their number which was systematically increasing, and it became necessary for other settlement like Aghigho, Akpata and finally Omadino to be made Okenghigho (or Okenrenghigbo) was then used as a camp or village for seasonal fishing. 4. After sometime one Princess lye of Itsekiri land whose mother was a descendant of plaintiff's ancestor made a request from plaintiff's people to allow her to use Okenrenghigbo as a temporary habitation for the several slaves she had, and this was allowed. She was then living in the Benin River area. As time went by, an Ijaw man by name Akpatah went to Chanomi, son of Princess lye to allow him and his people and families to settle on a portion of Okenrenghigho land, and this was also allowed after Shanomi had obtained the consent of plaintiff's ancestors at Omadino village. 5. In recognition of the rights of Omadino people to Okenrenghigho where they lived and fished, Akpatah and his people paid homage and customary rents to Omadino people during the latter's annual festivals. Later, the early Ijaw settlers were followed by other Ijaw people who came there to fish, and the practice of paying customary rent every year continued. 6. In the same way, some of the other settlements founded and owned by the Omadino community were occupied by other groups of Ijaw people who also paid their customary rents to plaintiffs. 7. After some time the Ijaws at Bakokodia demanded and received rents and other dues from the users of Bakokodia and Akpata land and creeks. When Omadino people asked for such monies to be refunded to them the Ijaw people refused, and continued to lay claim to the whole area of land. 8 . In pursuance of their claim, Omadino people instituted an action against the Ijaw people in 1951, claiming a declaration to title to the land, and the case, Suit No. W /29/51: Chief E. E. Sillo & Ors. V. Adurumokumor & Ors. ended in favour of the Omadino community. The said case, together with the plan used in it will be founded upon at the hearing of this action. 9. After the judgment in suit No. W/29/51 had been entered in favour of the plaintiffs, Adurumokumor and the people of Bakokodia who were the defendants in the case continued to use the land without any regard for the interests of the plaintiffs or the judgments against them. 10. The Ijaws, i.e. the people of Bakokodia continued to place tenants on the land and also disturbed plaintiff's tenants and other users of the land. They made it highly difficult for the plaintiffs to demand and collect rents and tributes from the people using the land and waters. 11. Whereupon the plaintiffs were obliged to bring another action against Adurumokumor in Warri High Court in 1961. The Writ of Summons in the case, Suit No. W/37/61: Chief E.E. Sillo & Anor. V. Adurumokumor together with the Supreme Court judgment (SC. 393/64) will be founded upon at the hearing of this case. 12. A few years ago it was observed that the defendants were not paying their usual customary rent, and were also collecting dues and rents from plaintiff's tenants on the land. 13. The defendants have continued to occupy and use the said land. The village or area occupied by the defendants and which is the subject matter in dispute is shown on the plan No. W/GA88/62, drawn by a licenced Surveyor Mr. G. A.Obianwu and filed with this Statement of Claim. This was also the plan used in the case by the plaintiffs against Adurumokumor and others in Suit No.W/29/ 1951. 14. At the time plaintiffs occupied the land in dispute the defendants were unknown and plaintiffs ancestors exercised maximum rights of ownership and possession over the said land. The rights of ownership were enjoyed without any secrecy and hindrance and these rights were known and accepted by the defendants. 15. The defendants have not been paying any rents or dues to the plaintiffs for the use and occupation of the said land for some years and have also not ceased collecting rents from plaintiff's tenants and other users of the land. Pleadings were ordered and filed. The defendants by their own amended Statement of Defence began with a general traverse, admitted that Omadino village is in the Itsekiri District of Delta Province, denied paragraph 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the amended Statement of Claim, averred that they were not in a position to admit or deny paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the Statement of Claim as they were neither parties nor privies to, not were they even aware of, the disputes referred to therein, further denied paragraph 14 and averred that the plaintiffs as Yorubas were not entitled to their claim in paragraph 15 of the Statement of Claim against them. Their most important replies are however, contained in the following paragraphs of their Amended Statement of Defence; 5. In regard to the aforesaid paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 the defendants further aver as follows: (a)That the village now called Omadino was originally an Ijaw village. Its founder Oweizibri at a time now beyond human memory was an Ijaw who named the place Amaduno which in the Ijaw language meant a public fishing pond, in a town or village. (b)After settling there for several years, certain Yoruba immigrants arrived Amaduno and asked permission of Oweizibri to settle near him. He granted their request and they settled. Later, as the population increased in the place, due largely to the influx of more Yorubas, the two settlements of Yorubas and Ijaws merged together but the Ijaw section of it till the present day is called Idumi-Ijaw. (c) The aforementioned Oweizibri was a brother to one Akpata, defendants ancestor and founder of Okenrenkoko. When Akpata arrived at Okenrenkoko and camped there, no Itsekiri, Yoruba or persons of tribes other than Ijaw were in the area now in dispute. The time is now beyond human memory, long before Prince Ginuwa drifted in his box from a creek near Benin into the Ijaw area of the Niger Delta. (d)The descendants of Akpata are the rightful owners of Okenrenkoko who lived in peace with Prince Ginuwa and his descendants. 8. The defendants also deny paragraph 12 of the Statement of Claim and further state in reply thereof that defendants have always collected rents from tenants on the land in dispute in their own rights as owners. 9. With regard to paragraph 13 of the S

It is you that is not interested because the land is not your own. The owners of the land are more interested in the land than the so called development which GEJ tried to use in stealing Yoruba Land.

Read the full fact about the ownership of Okerenghigho site of marine University. Yorubas of Ijebu own the land. Ijaws are tenant who have been paying rent to the Yorubas of Omadinor https://m./105184559628346?view=permalink&id=1329286833884773

FINAL PROOF OF OWNERSHIP OF OKERENGHIGHO BY THE OMADINO PEOPLE.
(PLEASE, PATIENTLY READ THROUGH THE ENTIRE JUDGMENT.

James Uluba and Co v. Chief E.E Sillo and Co. [1972 - Supreme Court]
[Judgment] T. O. ELIAS, C.J.N. (Delivering the Leading Judgment):

This is an appeal from the judgment of Obaseki, J., in the High Court, Warri, Mid-Western State, in which the plaintiffs for themselves and on behalf of Omadinor people claimed as per their Writ of Summons against the defendants for themselves and on behalf of Okenrenghigho people as follows:

(1) Possessory title to all that piece or parcel of land known and described as "Okenrenghigho'' in Warri Division in the plan filed and tendered by the plaintiffs in case No. W/29/1951: Chief E. E. Sillo & Ors. V. Adurumokumor & Ors.

(2) An order of Court that the defendants do pay to the plaintiffs an annual rent of 100 (One Hundred Pounds) or such amount as may be found due to the plaintiffs, for the occupation, use and enjoyment of the said piece or parcel of plaintiff's land at Okenrenghigho.

(3) An order of injunction restraining the defendants and their agents and/or servants from demanding and collecting tents or dues from plaintiff's tenants on the said land or other users of the said land.
The plaintiffs are Itsekiris and natives of Omadinor village in Ode-Itsekiri District of Delta Province. While the defendants are Ijaws residing at what the Itsekiris called Okenrenghigho (or ) village but which the Ijaws call https://m./105184559628346?view=permalink&id=1329286833884773

Read reasons why itsekiris can't join Biafra below
http://globalpeacearithmetic..com.ng/2017/04/why-oduduwa-republic-must-spread-to.html?spref=fb

Nigeria is not too big to be govern by one leader after countries like China and India have a population of almost or over a billion people . Our most difficult problem is misunderstanding as a result of the complicity of multi ethnicity that are mostly concentrated within the Niger Delta region where we have over a hundred tribes, cultures and traditional values of which all wants to be a lead, speak and be heard at same time . The Hausas , Yotubas, Ibos, Benis speaks their languages , practiced their cultures including even the Ijaws which is why they are mostly united but unfortunately the case is different with the Hausa of the north and Yotubas of the west as their languages and cultures dominate and controls their region all by themselves while the south east is partially controlled by the United Ibos but the problem is now in the south south consisting of the Edos, Itsekiris, Ijaws, Urhobo, Isoko, Ika, Agbon, Okpe and all. The complication is caused by the amalgamation of Nigeria if not it would remain under the leadership of the Oba of Benin as the overlord over all within these region even though there are other tribes around.

Biafra republic, Oduduwa republic and Northern republic are attainable but is Niger delta republic is possible? The answer is no but would have being yes if only the system wasn't destroyed by the British amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorate out of greed. Please we should learn to respect each other without keeping our distance for the sake of development. The Itsekiris have no personal issues with their neighbours/once tenants but will not make themselves vulnerable, therefore they will defend themselves with whatever means in the best possible way should in case of any eventuality because they are not cowards.

Due to the death of history education in our institutions, not too many of this generation are inform to know that the Itsekiri nation had the first educated and baptised king in the 1597 (Olu Atorongboye l) the Itsekiri also had first university graduate king in the 1625 (Olu Atuwatse l Dom Domingos) the Itsekiri also had the first mixed race king in the 1645 (Olu Oyenakpagha l Anthonio De Mingo) asides these known person before the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorate We have the great Chief Nana who was referred to as the merchant prince of the Niger delta and defender of all inhabitants of the Niger delta region during his resistance against the British Invasion , after chief Nana come the reign of another great hero , the person of Chief Dore Numa who was the then Governor of the Niger delta and one of the few personalities that co signed the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorate known as today as Nigeria.

Itsekiris also have notable personalities with positive contribution to the national interest of Nigeria which are as follows

1: Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, first finance and labour minister who established the centra bank of Nigeria and singlehandedly formed the Midwest region which later became Bendel and then divided into what we now have as Edo, Delta , Bayelsa and others today.

2: Chief Alfred Ogbeyiwa Rewane, the financier of NADECO .

3: Chief Arthur Priest, the first pioneer minister of communications

4: Chief Prof. Grace Allele William, the first female university chancellor and first female professor of mathematics.

5: Chief Rita Lori, renowned women and right activist who is a living legend and other prominent personalities.

Why am I saying all these? I just want to cite instances and political opportunities the Itsekiris had but they never used to subdue their neighbours or tenants even when then had the power to do so. If the Itsekiris were self centred then they would have created a region or state for themselves just as the Ijaws singlehandedly have bayelsa state today where others cannot go and reap a vegetable from but yet the Itsekiris lives as one with the tenants and the are being appreciated today with insults.

Note even the likes of Chief Dore Numa who co signed the amalgamation of Nigeria in the early 1914 neither Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh that have being immortalised by the federal government as a way of showing regards to the Niger deltans while the likes of Obafemi Awolowo and Tafawa Balewa are all immortalised. Is this fair? There are also prominent personalities too from the Urhobo, Isoko and Ijaws extractions of late that should be immortalised too for their contribution towards the nation building so, we see how the federal government is playing with our minds? Imagine the northerners without a drop of oil owns oil wells in our region while we that suffers the spoilt and feels the brunt own nothing due to too much greed, desperation and betrayal from our leaders.

Too much have being said already , the Itsekiri people and Niger Deltans eagerly and impatiently awaits the sincere open judgement of the said Maritime University land by the federal government but failure to do so by taking the Itsekiris peacefulness for granted then they should blame themselves for whatever actions that may greet them. A word is a enough for the wise.

Thank you,
Charles Eyimofe Pemu.

Re: Maritime University, Okerenghigho, Omadino,Warri Delta State:

#NigeriaGovernment #PresidentBuhari #NigeriaSenate #NNPC #Chevron #NIMASA #Ministry_Of_Petroleum_Resources #National_University_Commission
#Office_of_The_Governor_Delta_State #NigeriaPolice #NigeriaArmy #NigeriaNavy #DSS #NIA #HumanRightOrganisations should know that when injustice becomes the law then resistance becomes the duty of the oppressed (culled from Thomas Jefferson). Therefore, they are hereby advice to kindly look into the issue of oppression and injustice against the Itsekiri people of Delta state who are the overlord of Warri Kingdom as a matter of urgency to avoid national liability.

It is unfortunate that the Itsekiri speaking ethnic nationality of Niger Delta may be amongst smallest in terms of population size in Nigeria but blessed with vast lands they are endowed with natural resources in which they are the second highest producer of crude oil and contributor to the national income of Nigeria economy. The Itsekiri nation may be calm and diplomatic in nature but very sophisticated as result of their earlier civilisation and access to education.

The Nigeria Government and other relevant agencies are advised to quickly correct the anomalies done in the case of ownership of the said land where the Maritime University is to be located (Okerenghigho or Okerenkoko) but failure to address the anomalies by the Nigeria government will result to a repeat of what happened in the Warri area some years ago which later gave birth to full blown militia activities in the entire Niger delta region that affected the national economy, if the government decides to be nonchalant about this warning/advice then they should start making ready emergency preparations to protect and maintain oil pipelines within and outside the Niger delta region.

Enough is enough, the oppressed nationalities will not fold hands and watch the Nigeria Government intentionally denying justice that will bring about lasting peace in the Niger delta region by playing their usual kill, divide and rule politics with the safety and peace of our people and environments. The Itsekiri nation we will not continue to play the roll of the peace maker while the government will rob Peter to pay Paul because Peter is not exhibiting his violence nature.

Despite the calm nature and slow to anger of the Itsekiri people on several infringement of their own rights just to let peace reign amongst them and once tenants who are now landlords, there are still allegations, accusations by the way of propaganda against the Itsekiris as being troubleshooters and we all know that a lie that is constantly told may assume to be true. This propaganda has actually teared apart the fragile peace and unity in the Niger delta in which that some individuals that had personal issues with another itsekiri individual will support such grand propaganda conspiracies against the peace loving Itsekiri Nation as a result of personal hatred. But my advice to the mature minds is that no human can be said to be 100% flawless so we cannot conclude that all Ijaws, Urhobo, Isoko, Ika, Itsekiri are bad neither good, we all have our tolerance limit and niceness gage.

" Do you know that, if supposing the wise King Solomon were to be in existence in this very generation of deceit and political propaganda, he may be forced to decide the case of the two ladies fighting over a child in favour of the wrong woman as he will either be a politician of self interest or belong to one tribe that is against the other?"

The government either start redressing the continuous issues of encroachment, invasion and injustice through decisive actions with all sincerity for the sake of fairness or they better just cede all lands, humans including animals and plants in Nigeria to whoever that is perceived as most violence in the nation by compelling all other ethnic nationality to be subjected to the strongest. The government must be made to know that no ethnic nationality own the sole right of the use of violence to achieve anything and for the fact not too many have operated a gun, detonated a bomb or blow a pipeline in their life means they cannot be a masters in weapon handling if the situation of injustice warrant them to do so. The government should be the hope of justice for the common man but when they failed to deliver justice and protect the ordinary oppressed persons then I'm afraid that the people will be left with no choice than to fight for their right and defend their interest. Grammar may refer to self defence as act of rebellion or treason but as for the oppressed it is better to die with their heads up than live with their heads bow, no one should hold all others hostage due to selfishness, excessive greed and desperation for the power to take it all.

Anyway, let me use this opportunity amidst my appreciation and disappointment to thank the federal government for their gesture in form of a trap to reignite another crisis in the region by citing such a laudable infrastructure in the heart of Niger Delta located precisely in Delta State though without due and responsible process which is why I'm disappointed. The establishment of the Maritime University suppose to be a blessing onto all Niger deltans and not just for deltans or those under the Kingdom of Warri but it's saddens me that almost anything which seems as blessings to us like oil have a way of turning into a curse that will lead to bloodbath, disunity, hatred and bigotry as a result of greed and ignorance.

The gestures of the federal government seems very good for the people but to be sincere, they have a plan. We should be sensitive when dealing with the Federal Government and multinationals because they are good chess players, the enjoys the the kill, divide and rule system because they understands that if the people of the region are let to have understanding and peace then the people will take charge of their destinies from the hands of the exploiters.

Normally where a projects is cited shouldn't be a problem as it can be cited in the Urhobo, Isoko , ijaw, ika, okpe or Itsekiri lands but what should matter most are the benefits and opportunities it will attracts to people of the region but due to gross ignorance and primitiveness our people, we fails to understand these factors and then allowed our minds to be clouded with so much greed, unhealthy competition and desperation to posses it all which is now tearing us apart. The lands where this maritime university is located is under the kingdom of Warri and Warri is corrupted from Iwere which is synonymous to the Itsekiri people. From time immemorial, all lands under Warri are under the overlordship of the Olu of Warri just as it is in Benin kingdom and Ife, though it doesn't mean only the Itsekiris dwells in Warri kingdom just as not only the Binis and Yorubas dwells in Beni or south west.

All ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region that may be clouded with the negative mindsets about the Itsekiri nation that Itsekiris are troubleshooters or enemy of development and growth should read the lips of the Itsekiri people and hear their agitations " The Itsekiri people wants developmental projects and infrastructures such as seaports, the Maritime University, housing, roads and bridges , railways and industries to help reduce unemployment and as well the the relocation of oil multinational companies to areas of operation/exploration but, the rights of any ethnic nationalities be it Urhobo, Ijaws, Ika, Isoko, Okpe and the Itsekiris must not be abuse to please another" The right of all nationalities must be respected and they should be given their entitlement. No one will fold his hand to watch while another directs his toilet pipes to his own compound.

There is need for us to respect each other as people whereby landlords should respects tenants and tenants should reciprocate to landlords for the sake of peace but doesn't mean one should be a fool to please the other. As the Ijaws are scattered across the nation so are the Itsekiri people but the Itsekiris never lay claims of places they are accommodated by trying to install kings as the Itsekiri only maintain one language, culture and one King anywhere just like the Binis and England unlike every other tribes in Nigeria like the Yorubas, Hausas, Ibos, Ijaws, Urhobo and so on with multiple kingdoms and and kings scattered across the nation.

I am sorry if I'm sounding like a bigot or being tribalistic today but the truth must be told because, whoever acting neutral in the face of injustice has taken the side of the oppressors. I'm Itsekiri by tribe, Deltan by state, Niger delta/south south by region, Nigerian by nationality and African by race therefore I'm related to both Urhobo,Ijaws, Isoko, Ika,Edo,Yoruba,Hausa,Ibo, Calabar, Kalabari and all of them so the earlier we educate our minds the better and peaceful we will coexist or else we will continue fighting each other while the political chess player (government) in collaboration with the multinationals and some of our leaders who their allies shall continue exploiting us. Naturally every human is created to be selfish only that some exhibits theirs excessively if not what is due to us is enough for our survival but the love for extra is what lead to greed.

The land where the Maritime university is located was originally known as Okerenghigho which is own by an Itsekiri community called Omadino but all of a sudden it was changed to Okerenkoko by the Ijaws who were settlers. To verify this claim, kindly see look up to reference maps dated back in the early 60s to 70s it indicated Okerenghigho and not Okerenkoko , even the Midwest before Bendel recognises her as Okerenghigho and not Okerenkoko. All the Itsekiri people are demanding before the oppressive conspiracy by the Federal government against the Itsekiri nation is that the land should and must be properly and legally acquired from the original owner of the land after the verification of authenticity by the relevant authorities. The said lands has been previous paid for by the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan who is an Ijaw man supported by his kinsman Sen James manager purchased the lands for about 13billion naira in collaboration with their political associates Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who is an Itsekiri man and was the governor of the state at the time from the settlers (Ijaws gbaramatu ) and not the owners (Omadino ) of which Hon Daniel Reyenieju who is the House of Representatives representing the Warri federal constituencies cannot claim ignorance of the fraudulent transactions. Information had it that the money was assigned through the office of the petroleum minister and the plan is to raise funds for the Goodluck 2015 election in which 10billion went into the campaign while 3billion was shared between Tompolo representing the gbaramatu Ijaws and one Austin Onesan representing the Itsekiris. As you can see it was a connived fraud by two romantics ethnic leaders therefore is not a matter between Itsekiri as a nation vs Ijaws but Itsekiri vs their own sons and the government of stolen cargo.

It is unfortunate that that the Itsekiris are few in terms of population size but earlier the Itsekiri had a very vast geographical lands that are well endowed with natural resources. The Itsekiris were very comfortable and accommodating, they allowed non tribes from various ethnic groups to settled on their lands and allowed them to take charge farming, fishing and palm oil production in the early days even until this very moment there's Isoko and Hausa community at Ode-Itsekiri. The truth is that the Itsekiris are more comfortable to align with non tribes from other nationalities than their own kinsmen unlike the the Yotubas and Benis that will first prioritise those that speaks their dialect before a non tribe and this is why the average desperate for power Itsekiri leader will employ the service of a non kinsmen to attack his kinsman with intent to overpower his competitors and will rather give access to a stranger into what should be private go only Itsekiris and this has turned out to start hunting Warri kingdom where tenants are now claiming landlords and having their own kingdom under Warri kingdom.

Itsekiri people are assume to be troublesome due to frequent false assertions against them by their once tenants just to project them (Itsekiri) as bad but the Itsekiri were only defending themselves and lands from invaders but it was almost too late which gave the accuser the guts to falsely accuse them. Lets be sincere to ourselves, can those who grew up in Warri within the 60s until 80s deny the fact that some years ago before the creation of Delta state it was Itsekiris that coordinates the affairs of all lands in Warri axis? But the structure has changed as a result of violence in which some of the settled lands by other tribes are let go for the sake of peace because they settlers cannot be sent into extinction relocation therefore they have to remain where they are but how on earth can only one tribe (Ijaw) claimed to originally own a place in Ondo, Lagos, Rivers, Edo and other places and including Warri, Patani and then they own Bayelsa? Does it mean they own the entire Nigeria because if they are asked to show proof of ownership then they will go by the way of violence? Note that as we speak they are threatening to fight with the Binis and already fighting the Aladja people over issue of land.

The Itsekiris are being projected as troubleshooters for defending their lands and they have never claimed ownership of kingdoms and lands in other states they are settled. What will think if an Hausa, Yoruba or Ibo should start claiming kingdoms in Ughelli, Agbarho and Rivers. Or a Urhobo settler in Ajegunle, Lagos state wants to install an ovie, isn't that what troubleshooting is about? Does it mean if the owners of the land defends he will be considered as troublesome? Let's have in mind that injustice may be against the Itsekiri people today and all others will watch and mock them but tomorrow it will certainly be the turn of an Isoko, Ika, Urhobo and others because the survival of man if greed is not controlled is expansion. We should have in mind the Ijaws of Ogbe-Ijaws are claiming ownership of Aladja which is occupied by Urhobos, Ijaws are claiming a community in Edo state so who knows whose land they will be claiming next, could it be Ogborikoko/Bendel estate.

My displeasure with the Buhari led federal government after the former administration of Goodluck created the problem, is that there was a public hearing in Abuja on the issue of the authentic owners of the said land where the maritime university is located in which the both parties that will represent the claimant and and defendants to presents their evidences to prove their authenticity but, instead of the federal government under the leadership of Buhari to make good use of his office to pronounce judgement openly in favour of either Mr. A or B at against Mr. A or B so that it can either be taken to court if not satisfactory but rather the federal government went on to approved the kick off in favour of the Ijaws unprofessionally either due to fear of the fact that the Ijaws are known for being violent and to avoid blowing of the oil pipelines which is the number of priority of the federal government so they decided their judgement against the quite ones like the Itsekiri since they are peaceful and law abiding. Would the federal government had taken for granted the nature of the Itsekiris by maltreating them with unfairness and injustice if supposing they are blowing pipelines? Well the government should be aware that the the Itsekiri people also knows that part of the scriptures which says " the violence taketh it by force "

I will advice the federal government to look into the demands and request of the aggrieved, the Itsekiris are not demanding that justice must be given in their favour but that justice should prevail in favour of the verified authentic owner of the said land because as law abiders they are willing to respect justice. If the judgement confirmed that the land belongs to the Ijaws party after carefully cross examination then federal government should openly pronounce justice in favour of the Ijaws with reasons to avoid future reoccurrence but if the reverse is the case that the Itsekiri owns the land the federal government should do likewise. What the Itsekiri will not accept is a inner chamber justice and secret decisions influenced by perceived most powerful, influential or strongest threat and if that if the case then the federal government should understand that no one own the sole right to monopolised violence not even the federal government. The federal government should know blowing up pipelines which is the only languages they listen to than peace is more easier than bring down an aircraft from the sky.

I am an ambassador of peace and advocate of development therefore I do not wish for any unrest activities in our society as that hinders the development and growth in which if it were be left to me I would have let go of whatever material thing I have for the sake of peace and love but everything should have a limit else be taken for a fool. The bible told us that blessed are the peacemakers but in this case the peacemakers are now being considered as fools and cowards and one thing the Itsekiris will not tolerate is when their peaceful nature is being mistaking for cowardice. The federal government is being advised to take urgent step to redress this anomalies or else they should be making ready emergency preparations repair and maintain more pipes and other of their facilities because the peaceful nature of the Itsekiris will not be used as sacrificial lamb to appease the violent in nature for peace to reign. Itsekiri do not have personal issues with their neighbour/once tenants but with chess player government for the actions and inaction of robbing from Peter to pay Paul.

Majority of my childhood friends are from the Ijaw and Urhobo extractions and I love them dearly which I know they loves me too. I will not wish our long term relationship that has metaphor into brotherhood be ruined due to the excessive greed and love for money, power, fame and lands because true friends are rare but I will not play the cowardice by sacrificing the survival of my identify (my kingdom my tribe) to satisfies any selfish and greedy desperate ambition of others in the name of peace. We are all brothers , though demarcated with tribal classification as designed by our creator and then complicated by the British but we should learn to control our greed by being contented with whatever we have, we should imbibe the spirit of sharing amongst each other instead of segregation, completion and hatred , we should delete that the mindset of my own, our own and your own are not the same so we can grow.




Thank you,
Charles Eyimofe Pemu.

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I urge the federal government to quickly take proactive measure to resolve the impasse before it degenerate into war

If the federal government won't respect the law of the land, it means that the federal government has created a lawless society

THE STATE OF THE NATION BRIEFING BY ITSEKIRI NATIONAL YOUTHS COUNCIL (INYC)

After a thorough and critical examination of how far we, the constituents of the Itsekiri Nation have faired over the years, in the Nigerian state, we are now constrained as a Council and of course as watchdog of our society to make the following painstaking observations/assertions:
That it is an established fact that our land mass accounts for a chunk of the national treasury maintaining the position of the ethnic nationality with the 2nd largest quota in Nigeria and the 1st largest in Delta State as far as the production of oil and gas is concerned.

Needless to mention therefore that the economy of the entire country rests significantly on this source of revenue for its sustenance; especially with regard to the regular payment of wages, salaries, emoluments and other entitlements of all categories of civil servants, public servants, elected political office holders; appointed political office holders across the three tiers of government and all Nigerian foreign missions.
We therefore, challenge the Nigerian Nation to prove the above assertions wrong by closing all the oil wells, flow stations and other oil/gas facilities in the Itsekiri land for just a month to see if the economy of the entire nation will not completely collapse.
That in the light of the above huge contributions of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to the sustenance of the Nigerian economy, one would have reasoned that any responsible government should have enforced a corresponding level of infrastructural and human capital development in such a significant area. This is more so, when one considers the non-permanent nature of these natural resources and the adverse and permanent effects of oil and gas exploration on human lives and the ecosystem.
Regrettably, the state of development in our land today is most inhuman, inconsiderate and lamentable with the landscape remaining substantially as it has been and with nothing on the ground to show for these hundreds of years of these huge sacrifices of our people.
However, other areas that contribute little or nothing at all to the national treasury; especially those that were within the same period deserts and dense forests, have experienced very visible and strategic developmental strides including the emergence of modern cities and town, critical national infrastructures, social amenities and symbols of national pride such as bridges, network of roads, higher institutions of assorted categories, health centres just to mention but a few.

Whereas, our maritime environment remains one of the best in the whole world and most suitable for various maritime and commerce activities owing to its strategic location near the Atlantic ocean as well as having existing but abandoned sea port facilities especially those in koko and Warri, these have been deliberately suffocated and abandoned in favour of less commercially viable alternatives; thereby robbing our people unfairly of the huge industrial and employment opportunities without minding its attendant security implications in an attempt to politically keep us underdeveloped.
That our people have continued to suffer under excruciating humanitarian crises for a period spanning several years even in a recurring cycle arising from the failure of the government to live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property especially during and after the ill-fated Warri crises.
This situation which has resulted in the spread of diseases, monumental loss of human lives, homes and large displacement of our people classified to be amongst the highest index of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the world and with nothing whatsoever being done since then by any of the Nigerian Government and/or local or international non governmental organisation (NGO) to ameliorate our conditions, possibly again, because, the Itsekiris are involved. Remarkably, this has secured a place of record for both the Nigerian Government and International NGOs in the Guinness Book of World Record as the only time when such magnitude of humanitarian crisis has occurred without any form human response.
In contrast, our national treasury is easily made available to address the plight of internally displaced people from other areas that contribute little or nothing whatsoever to the national treasury. While we do not disapprove of the efforts at addressing crises of this nature in other areas, we consider the above discriminating treatment as a huge slap on the face of the Itsekiri people and a clear indication of the total collapse of the social contract that the Itsekiri people had with the Nigerian government since our obligation under the social contract that gave rise to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is only to surrender our rights to government in exchange for the protection of our lives and properties or at the very worst, to create a level playing field for all stakeholders to actualise their dreams.
The government having breached its obligation under this social contract, we as a people are entitled to treat same as being discharged by frustration.
Regrettably, under the existing social contract, this same level of discrimination was escalated to the extent that most of our national heroes who are of Itsekiri ethnic extraction; like Nana Olomu- the foremost Niger-Delta activist, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh- the first Nigerian Minister of Finance, Chief Dore Numa- the legend who signed on behalf of the Itsekiris, the various treatise that were consolidated into the amalgamation of 1914, Alfred Ogbeyiwa Rewane- finanacier and foremost NADECO activist, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbobor- an Itsekiri living legend and foremost Nigerian women activist, etc, all of whom made very worthy contribution to the development of the Nigerian State and of course played very pivotal roles in the democracy we enjoy today, have all been completely ignored with regards to posthumous awards, national recognition, as well as other forms memorabilia apparently for the singular reason again that they are Itsekiris while their contemporaries from other parts of the country have been granted the privilege of enjoying these accolades even in multiple forms.

Whereas, the location of the constitutionally gazetted headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area remains Ogidigben (an Itsekiri Community) yet, without any constitutional amendment, the Nigeria Government has continued to acquiescence in the deliberate illegal and unconstitutional relocation of the headquarters to Ogbe-Ijoh (considered to be an Ijaw enclave). This again is a further breach of the social contract by the Nigerian Government against the Itsekiri people and of course, a celebration of the height to which the Nigerian Government derives pleasure even in a constitutional democracy in constantly undermining the rule of law.

It is on record that the Senate has now passed into law, the bill for an act to establish the Maritime University of Nigeria. This is despite the numerous representations to the red chambers that the name of the land on which the university is proposed is in law Okerenghigho and not Okerenkoko.
While we patiently await the position of the House of Representatives on this and possibly, the report of the National Assembly joint Committee, and eventually the Presidents accent, we are again constrained to state that if the outcome of the Senate on the issue is the only option left on this, then, there is no law and order in Nigeria.

Conclusion:
As a Council, having painstakingly, considered all the aforementioned facts and bearing in mind that this state of affairs constitutes what we as the present generation inherited from generations before us, which we are completely unwilling to pass this same batten to the next generation and considering the fact that the generations before us were unflinchingly committed to the social contract; they being accustomed to the strict and unwavering obedience of the law without any reciprocal commitment on the part of the Nigerian Government to the social contract; we are therefore more than ever constrained as a Council to make the following unconditional demands from the Nigerian Government if we are to remain a party to that social contract:
That the Nigerian Government should immediately retrace its steps, critically re-examine itself; honour its obligations to all the parties to the social contract and be seen at all times to be promoters, advocates and enforces of the rule of law.

That the Nigerian Government should critically re-examine itself and guarantee the globally accepted principle of derivation of resources and the corresponding compensations in terms of human capital and infrastructural development.

That the Nigerian Government should critically re-examine itself stop mediocrity and all forms of discriminations especially ethnicity, tribalism, nepotism, favouritism, sectionalism, and other related vices with a view to creating a level playing ground and assuring all components of this country of justice, fairness, and equality before the law in the interest of the indivisibility of the Nigerian State.

Arising from the above, we are constrained to hereby issue this 21 (Twenty-One) day notice effective from today that should the Itsekiri people not experience changes in these situations, we will be left with no choice than make public the Deghele declaration tagged “operation Jigini” and immediately emplace machineries to accomplish every component of this declaration in a manner that no one will ever envisage.

As for the oil companies and other multi-nationals doing business on eveey part of Itsekiri land, we are feed up with all your deceits , divide and rule tactics and your orchestrated agenda to continue to partner the power that be in order to continuously milk us dry while others smile home on top of our God given wealth. The earlier you began to move all your personnel, equipment, facilities, fields, flow stations etc from our land before the expiration of these ultimatum, the better for us all.

Accordingly, all critical organs/leaders of this Council are directed to be on high alert as further details on the Council resolutions and how to emancipate our people from these oppressions/suffocations/deprivation shall be communicated through our usual channels.

Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta!

Signed:

Comrade Agbateyinniro Weyinmi (President)

Comrade Appearance Afejuku (Secretary)

Comrade Lucky Futughe (Director, I.T/Media)

Comrade Uwawah Joseph (P.R.O)

BUHARI is already making the same mistake of Jonathan. Niger Delta youths who are non militants are not fools. We are not afraid to shoot guns. You will create a bigger problem for yourself. FG gave them contract of billions and pay them free money for years. MORE GROUPS ARE EMERGING. CACHUKWU SHOULD PREPARE FOR THEM.

Those who called for negotiation with militants for the second time should be held responsible. Many more will spring up. If you think they cannot carry out their threat then you are living in a dream World. Those Urhobo boys are more deadly than avengers.

They disguise like fisher men at night to drop those dynamite close to oil facilities in Itsekiri area. When they call the phone number packed in the explosive materials, it goes off. They dont come as combatant. We will apprehend them if they come as combatants. They are coward

dimieprincess, for your information, Itsekiris are in Delta, Edo and Ondo states. Okerenghigho is the original name itsekiri gave to that place. Tompolo grand father used to pay rent to itsekiri for staying and fishing there. They suddenly change the name and stop paying rent. okeren is an Itsekiri word. There is no word like Okeren in Ijaw language.

BUHARI MUST SACK KACHUKWU NOW. THE OFFICE IS TOO SENSITIVE FOR A PDP MOLE

What we are saying is that the avengers are not representing the people of the Niger Delta. They represent the corrupt people who have impoverish our people. If the negotiation does not include ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta, it will create a bigger problem for the FG.

This proposed negotiation may lead to civil war if the federal government decide to use force against itsekiri when they shut oil wells in Itsekiri land. If the government cannot stop a rag tag avengers, how will they stop itsekiri of over 2 million people who have resolved to stop the flow of oil in their land.

You claim that this properties belong to Tompolo. You said it is this property that FG bouught for 13billion. kachukwu, your plan to become Delta governor is dead on arrival

The ignorance exhibited by Ibe Kachukwu on the political dynamics of the Niger Delta may create a dangerous conflagration in the Niger Delta that will finally cripple the Nigerian economy. Ibe Kachukwu is a close friend of Okowa. Okowa is a pupet of Tompolo/Avenger, the deputy governmenor is a cousin to Tompolo. Ibe Kachukwu insistence that Itsekiri land of Omadino community called okerenghigho which was changed by Ijaws to Okerekoko after the warri crises should be acquired by government for 13billion to build a university without consulting the rightful owners is an invitation to anarchy. Ibe Kachukwu, you want to negotiate with militants who are your friends to give them amnesty for the second time because you want oil, Itsekiris are also planning to bomb oil welll in their area too to attract negotiation. note that 30% of Nigeria's oil out put are in Itsekiri land. Amaechi is a former governor of a Niger Delta State. He knows the game better than you. You are not experience in the Niger Delta issue. Many militant camps will spring up after this second amnesty. You will continue to give amnesty. Non violent youths will take to arm struggle.

If the electronic voters register is not recognized by the the electoral act, then the supreme court should have nullified the entire election

Mike Igini has deflated their ego by his explanation. The honourable thing for them to do now is to resign. Their thought patern is too miopic for Nigerians to accept. They should resign immediately.

The process of election also involve phone calls using electronic medium, printing of voters register using electronic medium, the PVC itself is coded electronically too. If these processes are forbidden by the electoral act as claimed by those old fools, then the entire election should have been nullified since the processes involved are electronic based. But they chose to notice only the accreditation process to be electronic whereas even the voters register is also electronic. Because they have collected their own portion of the dollar rain. Eediot

From the explanation of Mike Igini, it is obvious that those supreme court judges were ignorant of what they adjudicated upon. What they refered to as manual register was actually electronic register. If the act forbid such register, the entire process should have been cancelled. I agree with the man who said those judges need training. They attended schools when there was no computer. That is why they are used to analog systems. You know how long it took the court to leave type writer for computer print on affidavit. Some of those baba justice dont know how to use computer. How will they even know the difference between manual register and computer or digital register. GOD HELP US.

Hmmm

PDP is problem in Nigeria

This judgement will send more people to untimely grave because APC south south held a meeting where it was resolved that both violence and Rigging will be used to win election henceforth.

I am neither an APC nor PDP member. I am a concern Nigerian who is not comfortable with the judgement. The judgement is already causing Tension as political parties prepare for war ahead of house of assembly rerun election. Many more souls will go on account of this judgement.